[Sca-cooks] OT: Kitchen appliances and gadgets

[Martin G. Diehl]

Jane Boyko wrote:
> 
> I am getting married next year and am getting ready to do 
> the bridal registry thing.

Did you know that even HomeDepot has a wedding registry?  <g> 

> I am wondering what tools and toys people like the best in 
> their kitchen and why.  Have you tried a particular tool 
> only to prefer a different brand.
> 
> I have a good collection of tools but could always use more.  
> I am set for knives.  I have little or no small appliances.
> 
> Marina

See if you can get a copy of "The Cooks' Catalog" (published 
in 1975; available used starting at $15 from alibris.com)

... or "The New Cooks' Catalogue" (used starting at $11 or 
new for $25 from amazon.com)

... or "Pierre Franey's Kitchen" (published in 1984, 
used $4 from alibris.com; used hardcover $7 from amazon.com; 
or used paperback $2 from amazon.com)

Each one will show (and explain how to use more kitchen 
toys than you would have room for).  

As to the toys themselves ... here are 2 that I didn't see 
anyone else suggest ... 

*** Clay oven roaster ... 

    either Schlemmertopf 
    ( http://www.scheurich-keramik.de/english/index.html 
    click products then Schlemmertopf ) 

    or Romertopf ( http://www.romertopfonline.com/ )

    ... They are somewhat fragile, but can cook without 
    loss of moisture; avoid buying the glazed type.  They 
    come in several sizes: either too small for what you 
    are cooking or too large for your oven ... just kidding, 
    but be sure to get the right size.  They cost between 
    $30 and $70.  

*** A mandoline to slice, dice, Julienne, shred, grate, 
    ... (amazon.com lists 8 for $10 to $100)

I have a Brom mandoline that was purchased just before last 
year's MetalSmith's Symposium ... it saved my *ss!!! ($99 
from Master Grinding Service http://www.mastergrinding.com/ )

Some points to consider: stainless steel (no plastic to melt 
-- can go into the dishwasher); think about what will collect 
the output from the slicer ... the bowl/tray has to fit under 
it or be big enough that the entire slicer sits inside.  
A friend mentioned using one in a commercial kitchen that 
attached directly to a stainless steel mixing bowl in a stand 
for stability.  

I'm thinking large scale cooking here ... aren't we all?  

-- 
Martin G. Diehl

Reality -- That which remains after you stop thinking 
about it.  

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